Getting Started with Plivo

You can start integrating voice and SMS capabilities into your apps in a snap. We believe that examples are the best way to learn about how Plivo works. Here, you’ll find step-by-step instructions on how to build apps on Plivo. Jump right in by clicking on the app you’d like to build, or read our Quick Start guides to get a deeper understanding of how Plivo works.

How to use this guide

We’ve spread helpful color-coded hints throughout our tutorials and guides to make using Plivo easier, give you more in depth information, and help you avoid potential issues.

Notes give you extra pieces of information that can help you understand Plivo better.

Advanced hacks are tips and tricks that will help you get more out of Plivo.

Warnings help you avoid potential issues while using Plivo.

So what is Plivo, exactly?

Plivo is a Cloud API Platform and a Global Carrier Services Provider for Voice Calls and SMS. Our mission is to simplify global telecom and enable access to quality cloud communications at a low cost. This means that you can add voice calling and SMS text messaging capabilities to any web or mobile app with just a few lines of code. Thousands of apps already use Plivo’s APIs, including: car share apps, two-factor verification, delivery services, political polling and surveys, conferencing, help desks, customer relationship management (CRM) systems, and many more.

Tutorial Index

Below is a list of what you'll learn throughout these Getting Started guides.

IVR Phone Menu: Build a simple phone menu that reads a random joke from Reddit or plays a song when the appropriate keys are pressed. Use cases: call centers, help desks, automated business lines, etc.

Conference Call: Bridge 3 or more people in a conference call. Use cases: collaboration apps, conference solutions, etc.

Call Forward: Forward incoming call to your Plivo number to a mobile number or a SIP endpoint.

SIP Endpoint (Direct-Dial): Learn how to configure your SIP endpoint to start receiving and making calls from a SIP phone or our SDKs.

Inbound Trunk: Learn how to configure Plivo as your inbound trunk. Forward incoming calls on Plivo DIDs to a SIP URI or a hostname.

Outbound Trunk: Learn how to configure Plivo as your outbound trunk to send calls out to landline or mobile numbers from your soft switch.

Web SDK Tutorials

Getting Started with Web SDK: First learn the fundamentals of how our web SDK works and what you'll need to build your app. Check out VoiceChatAPI; our free open source conference project for an idea of what our Web SDK is capable of.

Make Outgoing Calls: Make calls directly from any web browser to phone numbers and SIP endpoints.